Mickey's Disguises: A weird little trip into the past

Is this actually worth your time?

Honestly? Only if you are a completionist or a total sucker for silent-era juvenile antics. If you want a deep plot or something that makes sense, skip this one. But if you like seeing what kids were doing for fun before the internet ruined everything, you might find it charming in a very dusty way.

The whole thing feels like a backyard play put on by neighborhood kids who raided an attic. Mickey Rooney is in there, of course, being that specific brand of energetic that makes you tired just watching it. The disguises are basically just cardboard and desperation. 🎭

There's this one moment where they're trying to fool the local grown-ups, and the makeup looks like it was applied with a trowel. It’s not 'good' cinema, but it’s human. It’s messy.

Some random thoughts

• The pacing is frantic, like the camera man was running out of light or patience.
• Billy Barty is in this, which is a nice little nod to history for anyone who recognizes the name.
• It reminds me a bit of the chaotic energy in Moonshine and Noses, though even more scatterbrained.
• The kids look like they’re having a blast, which is the only thing that actually lands.

The adults in the frame look perpetually confused, which I suspect wasn't entirely acting. There’s a distinct lack of polish that feels refreshing in a weird, lopsided way. You can tell nobody expected anyone to be looking at this a hundred years later.

Sometimes the film just cuts to a reaction shot that lasts way too long. It’s awkward. I kinda liked it. 😅

Is it better than The Virginian? No. Is it trying to be? Absolutely not. It’s just a weird, little time capsule of kids playing dress-up. Don't go looking for themes here. Just look for the kid who forgot his line and is staring at the camera like a deer in headlights.

It's short, it's weird, and it's mostly harmless. If you've got fifteen minutes to kill and want to feel like you're watching a home movie from someone's great-grandpa, go for it.